Alva

Towns & Villages

Alva, a town between Menstrie and Tillicoultry, developed during the 18th and 19th century when the Alva Burn powered textile mills in the area.

Knitwear is still produced in a working mill which displays and sells work at the towns Mill Trail and Visitor Centre.

From Alva it is possible to walk into the Ochills through Alva Glen, which offers a unique glimpse into the area’s history. Whilst the geological history involves molten lava, huge earth movements, and mighty glaciers, the glen is now a peaceful place for a walk. Old mill remnants are still visible around the burn and waterfalls from when Alva was one of the centres of the Clackmannanshire woollen industry and evidence has also been found of the Glen’s Neolithic inhabitants.

The town is also home to a number of pubs and shops as well as the famous Harviestoun Brewery whose most notable brands are Schiehallion, Bitter & Twisted and Old Engine Oil.